News
TBS Education from father to son
In a family, it's not unusual for professional advice to be passed down from generation to generation. But to see a father and son follow exactly the same path is rarer! Panagiotis and Théo KOTSONIS both chose TBS Education's Mastère Spécialisé (MS) in Internal Audit and Management Control, one in 2007, the other in 2024. Their training has left its mark on their professional careers, and continues to be a springboard for promising careers.
Why did you choose TBS Education's MS IAMC?
Panagiotis (MS AICG 2007): The MS IAMC program was the ideal way to gain an in-depth understanding of business processes. I was looking to quickly acquire a solid theoretical foundation to progress in my professional project, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) expertise.
Théo (MS AICG 2024): In the Toulouse region, this is the most reputed course for learning about business management, developing expertise in performance management, auditing and control, and management.
What's more, my father suggested I invest in a Mastère Spécialisé (MS) to benefit from the professional experience of the lecturers, who are all working professionals.
What were the most memorable aspects of your training?
Panagiotis: I was most impressed by the quality of the lecturers in my first courses. Coming from a university background (MIAGE), I particularly appreciated the fact that the lecturers were working professionals with in-depth knowledge of market realities.
Théo: I was most impressed by the diversity of backgrounds my fellow students came from. For the first time in my studies, I was able to interact with a variety of profiles: the mix of ages, specialties and nationalities was stimulating and enriching.
Have you noticed any changes or similarities in the program between your two graduating classes?
Panagiotis: After 17 years between our two graduating classes, the recognition of the diploma has remained intact: the IAMC Mastère Spécialisé (MS) is still at the top of the rankings! In 2006, collaborative tools were much more limited, and the experience was different: for example, we were still using USB sticks to return our homework and various assignments to teachers when the size of the files exceeded the limits of Microsoft Outlook...
Théo: I was surprised to find the same information systems teacher, Mr Laurent Cabanac, as my father 17 years earlier. I think that the practice of management control will be impacted by the advent of Artificial Intelligence tools, and that its teaching will need to be rapidly adapted to this new era.
What were your career paths after the MS AICG?
Panagiotis: After obtaining a Master's degree in business computing in 2006 at evening classes, I started my career at IBM as a consultant, helping companies to improve their management systems. I deepened my knowledge with the MS IAMC.
This dual skill set enabled me to join Capgemini, where I worked with major clients in the aeronautics sector, notably Airbus and Safran, developing my expertise in SAP solutions (systems, applications and data processing products).
In 2015, I co-founded Scopea, a company specializing in the integration of management software to help companies better organize their internal processes.
In 2018, I joined Coupa Software, a Silicon Valley company as Senior Engagement Manager. Currently, my role is to lead implementation and deployment projects for Coupa solutions, ensuring relationships between our customers and partners.
Théo: I did an internship at Richemont as a Data Analyst, which turned into my first professional opportunity. Today, I'm working on data that assesses the environmental and social impact of the suppliers the company works with. On top of that, I simplify my team's work by automating some of the software we use to manage this information, which saves time and makes the process more efficient.
What advice would you give to current MS AICG students?
-
Actively cultivate your professional network. Our capital of professional contacts determines the success of our career just as much as our capital of professional skills. Networking or not working.
-
Do internships and/or first assignments abroad. Take every opportunity to experience other cultures and add an international dimension to your CV.
Théo: Whatever your profile, I can only advise you to take an interest in tech news. We're all involved!
A final word?
A final word?
Panagiotis: I'm proud of Théo's career and I'm a happy dad. The ENSEEIHT + TBS Education double degree strategy has paid off: a first work contract signed after the end-of-studies internship. With a bit of luck, Théo will also be able to enroll his son at TBS Education!
Théo: Thanks, to you and my mom for supporting me during my year at the MS Internal Audit and Management Control. I have great memories of the course and I'm already nostalgic about it, just three months after graduating.
6
1 Comment
Log in to post comment. Log in.